Wyoming Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond
A Wyoming motor vehicle dealer surety bond is a required license bond for any person or business engaged in the sale or exchange of motor vehicles within the State of Wyoming. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Motor Vehicle Services requires all dealer license applicants to post a $25,000 surety bond (Form MV-424). Wyoming is unique in that the dealer license term is tied directly to the bond term — the license effective and expiration dates match those of the surety bond. WYDOT also specifically advises new applicants not to purchase the bond until the application has been approved. Surety One, Inc. offers quick, no-hassle underwriting for Wyoming motor vehicle dealer bonds.
Bond Amount & Requirements
Wyoming Legislative Statute WS 31-16-103(h) requires all vehicle dealer license applicants to deposit a $25,000 surety bond with the Department of Transportation. The bond guarantees that the dealer will not practice fraud or violate federal or state laws, and specifically guarantees the return of the dealer license, full use and demo license plates, and temporary permit seals issued by the state.
| Bond Amount | License Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | New Motor Vehicle Dealer | Franchise dealer selling new and used vehicles |
| $25,000 | Used Motor Vehicle Dealer | Sells used motor vehicles to the public |
| $25,000 | Wholesale Dealer | Sells motor vehicles to other licensed dealers |
| $25,000 | Wyoming-Based Manufacturer | Manufactures vehicles within Wyoming |
Important — License Tied to Bond Term & “Do Not Execute Until Approved”: Wyoming’s license expiration date is set by the effective and expiration dates on the surety bond, not a fixed calendar date. This means the bond effectively controls the license term. WYDOT specifically advises new applicants: do not have the bond executed until you receive notice that your application has been approved. This prevents dealers from wasting money on a bond for a denied application. Cancellation of the bond will not be accepted unless a newly executed replacement bond is already in place for the same period. Application approval typically takes 6–8 weeks.
Who Needs This Bond?
Wyoming requires a dealer license for anyone who sells or exchanges three (3) or more vehicles within any 12-month period. The bond applies to all dealer license types issued by WYDOT.
- New (franchise) motor vehicle dealers — $25,000
- Used motor vehicle dealers — $25,000
- Wholesale dealers — $25,000
- Wyoming-based manufacturers — $25,000
How Much Does the Bond Cost?
The cost is a small percentage of the $25,000 bond amount, determined by credit, financials, and experience. Multi-year discounts are available for qualified applicants. Surety One, Inc. offers competitive rates for all credit profiles. Quoting is free of charge with no obligation to purchase.
Wyoming Dealer License Requirements
- Completed Application for Wyoming Vehicle Dealer and Manufacturer License (Form MV-422)
- $25,000 surety bond (Form MV-424) — notarized signatures from both principal and surety required; do not execute until application is approved
- State and national criminal history background check: fingerprint cards for each owner, with Background Check Supplemental Information Questionnaire and color photo of each owner; $39 fingerprint processing fee (certified funds payable to “Attorney General – DCI”); minimum 30 days processing time
- Registration with Wyoming Secretary of State (articles of incorporation/organization for LLC, corporation, or LLP)
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Wyoming Sales/Use Tax License from the Department of Revenue
- Permanent building (cannot be a residence unless business is in a separate building at the same address)
- Color photographs of business location, sign, and display lot
- Written zoning approval from city or county authority
- Lease or ownership agreement for the business property
- Franchise or dealer sales/service agreements (new vehicle dealers)
- License fee: $25 (fewer than 12 vehicles/year) or $100 (12 or more vehicles/year)
Filing, Renewal & Cancellation
The bond obligation is for one year. The license effective and expiration dates correspond directly to the bond dates. Renewal requires submitting a new bond and renewal application annually. Dealer plates are purchased from the County Treasurer after the license is issued (dealers selling fewer than 12 vehicles may only obtain one demo plate and no full-use plate). Cancellation of the bond is not accepted unless a newly executed replacement bond is already in place for the same period.
Bond Claims
The bond covers fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, violation of any federal or state laws or regulations relating to dealer conduct, and guarantees the return of the dealer license, license plates, and temporary permit seals issued to the dealer.
Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
Motor Vehicle Services
5300 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340
Phone: (307) 777-4717
Compliance & Investigation: (307) 777-3815
Web: dot.state.wy.us
Surety One, Inc. is the Wyoming surety bond expert provider, licensed in all fifty states, U.S. territories, and Canada. We offer competitive rates for Wyoming motor vehicle dealer bonds and all other license bond classes. Call us at (800) 373-2804, email Underwriting@SuretyOne.com, or chat with a live underwriter for immediate assistance.
Surety bond application review and quoting are free of charge. There is no obligation to purchase.
What We Need From You
Obligee's Bond Form
